Real Madrid square off against Benfica on Tuesday night in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs.
Having failed to finish in the top eight in the league phase, courtesy of a 4-2 defeat to Benfica on the final matchday, Los Blancos now have to go through the playoffs to qualify for the Round of 16.
And, coincidentally, they ended up being drawn against Jose Mourinho’s side, with the first leg of the playoff set to be played at Estadio da Luz tomorrow.
Real Madrid go into the game with momentum on their side following a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad in La Liga.
And ahead of the match, Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga spoke to the media, discussing the team’s mindset and mentality leading up to the blockbuster clash.
Talking about what Real Madrid need to do in order to come out on top against Benfica, Camavinga said:
“First, do it well as a team. Treat it like any other game, without changing your routines. But stay united; attack and defend together. And everything will be alright.”
On what the team must improve compared to their last visit to Lisbon which ended in a loss, the French international remarked:
“The mentality. We’re better at that now. We have to attack and defend together. We want to play a great game, because that was tough for our fans. We want to win with a sense of revenge.”
Throughout the season, there has been talk about how Real Madrid lack an organiser in midfield, someone of the ilk of Toni Kroos. On whether he too felt similarly, Camavinga said:
“Well, I don’t think so ( laughs ). We have players with those characteristics. There are many good players on the field, and that’s not what we’re focused on right now. But if you think we need it, I’ll talk to the president … and we’ll see…”
On further being asked if he saw himself being that organiser in midfield for the team, the midfielder replied:
“I am capable of doing that, I can do it. I am aware of what I can do and that now, I can do it much better. Yes, I can be that ‘organiser.'”
Camavinga sees himself capable of becoming Real Madrid’s ‘organiser’. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Talking about whether Real Madrid fans had seen everything he was capable of, Camavinga insisted:
“No, I think I have much more to do. I’m aware of it and I’m capable. Real Madrid fans haven’t fully seen Camavinga. Because I can give so much more.”
In recent times, there have been occasions when the Frenchman has been utilised at left-back or even on the left-wing. On whether he felt comfortable in those roles, he explained:
“I have a good relationship with Carreras, so it’s easy on the pitch. And I like playing there. Although right now the important thing is to play.
“I’m not usually on the wing, but like what happened with the full-back role, if I have to do it for the team, I’ll do it. I’m not used to it, but it’s going well.”
When quizzed about his preferred position, Camavinga replied: “As I’ve always said, I like playing as a defensive midfielder.
“I might lack consistency and need to be more focused on the pitch, because I do make mistakes sometimes, I’m aware of that. That’s what I’m lacking.”
Reflecting on his career so far, he noted: “I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, although I want more. Looking back… my family is very proud, very happy. I come from a place without much, and now I can give so much to my people.
“On the field, I pray that my parents are happy when they see me play. I think I’m achieving that. And I want to keep going.”
Camavinga also spoke about his relationship with teammate Vinicius Jr., who was in good nick this past weekend, saying:
“I have a wonderful, very special relationship with him. But sometimes, as friends, we have to tell each other the truth, even if it’s harsh.
“That’s what friends do. That’s why I like talking to him, and he likes talking to me. I see him doing well. I’m very happy about that.”
Regarding the criticism he has faced, at the Santiago Bernabeu as well as back in France, Camavinga admitted:
“Criticism is part of a footballer’s job. Even when you do good things, you’ll be criticized. So just focus on your work and that’s it.
“I don’t look at social media and the like much… but I consider it a normal part of the job. Criticism. And it gives me more motivation to work and improve.”
Source: AS